Wine Spectator's top ten 2012's tasted

#10 2010 Achával-Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec:
Deep ruby. Fruity, sweet, red berries nose, easy going, quite intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, acidity seems to live it's own life above the fruit, not that complex, good length. 88

#9 2007 Ciacci Piccolomino d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino:
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Red berries, touch of anise, fruity nose, quite easy going. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, bit easy going, good length. Warm finish. 87

#8 2009 Beringer Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon:
Ruby. Cassis, bleberries, vanilla, quite sweet and ripe nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, warm and fruity, oaky palate, rich, good length. 88

#7 2009 Shea Willamette Valley Shea Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir:
Ruby. Red berries, fruity, rich, intense, oaky notes, not easy to see the grape influence here. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, rich and ripe and then very oaky, edgy oaky on the palate, good length. 89

#6 2009 Château Léoville Barton:
Deepish ruby. Scented, cassis, floral, scented, elegant nose, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, tight, textured, even a bit grippy at the moment, really need time in the cellar. Long. 95

#5 2009 Château Giraud:
Golden. Apricots, fruity, intense, vanilla, pineapples, not quite as open as last bottle. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh and lively, quite rich, almost smooth mid palate, long finish. 94

#4 2010 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape:
Deepish ruby. Ripe, rich, intense and fruity nose, jammy red berries and alcohol. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and alcoholic, warm finish, sweet aftertaste. Not unbalanced, but not that complex and feels as sweet as coke without fizz. 88

#3 2010 Two Hands Barossa Valley Bella's Garden Shiraz:
Deep ruby. Ripe, rich, fruity, intense, jammy, liquorice, plums and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe and quite high tannins, bit weird lemony feel, acidified? Fruity finish, leather and pepper. 89

#2 2010 Château de St.- Cosme Gigondas:
Deepish ruby. Herbal and nettle notes below ripe fruit, sweet plums and blackberries nose. Medium acidity that seems to kick in more later, tannic backbone, intense fruit, but some unbalance. Bit biting, bit green with some very ripe notes, and alcohol comming forth. 86

#1 2008 Shafer Relentless Napa Valley:
Deep ruby. Ripe, rich, fruity, plums, jammy, cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich, fruity, fairly lively, sweet and a bit big, good length. 89

Four from Château de Beaucastel, lovely 01 Hommage!

2010 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape White Vielles Vignes:
Pale golden. Apples, minerals, wax, honey and vanilla nose. Medium acidity, rich minerality, smoky, lemons, ripe, long finish. 92

2009 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape:
Ruby. Some warm notes, rubber, spices, dark berries, rich and ripe nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich, fruity, some herbal notes, big and warm, long. 91

2001 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape:
Ruby, garnet rim. Dark berries, rich, again some rubber notes, warm, rich and fruity nose. Figs and liquorice, maturing. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, rich, mint and eucalyptus, rubber, warm and long. 91

2001 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin:
Ruby, thin garnet rim. Sweet figs, leather, red and darker berries nose, fresh feel, floral notes, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, clean, elegant, ripe, maturing elegantly, quite fresh, long. 93

Five from Peter Michael

2009 Peter Michael Chardonnay Knights Valley La Carrière:
Towards lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, vanilla, oaky, some popcorn, ever so slightly floral on top. Freshish acidity, then vanilla, velvety vanilla palate, rounded vanilla and at the end, alcoholic finish, warm. One of the ladies at the table loved this barrel extravaganza. 87

2011 Peter Michael Pinot Noir Fort Ross- Seaview Ma Danseuse:
Ruby. Fruity, red berries, bit sweet nose, slightly spicy. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded and again bit vanilla influenced, ripe, fruity, and velvety. Why all the barrels? 88

2011 Peter Michael Sauvignon Blanc Knights Valley L'Après-Midi:
Towas lemon yellow. Gooseberries, yellow fruits, quite intense, vanilla background. Fairly fresh acidity and pretty soon the alcohol shines through and creates unbalance. Warm and yellow fruity, ripe. 87

2007 Peter Michael Les Pavots Knights Valley:
Almost black with red rim. Ripe, fruity, sweet, alcoholic, intense, some Port's smell less sweet. And this is served very cool! Medium avidity, high of ripeish tannins, some herbal notes, grippy, unbalanced, alcoholic. I'm really not impressed. Vulgar and tries to rape the palate. Sir Peter Michael himself is quite the oposite, a funny, charming and articulate man, he seems far more nuanced than his wines. 84

2011 Peter Michael Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Au Paradis:
Deep ruby, red rim. Some herbs, dark berries, vanilla and toasty nose, barrels. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, alcoholic and unbalanced, massive, rich, how can people say that these wines are great? Have they lost their palate? Thank God I had some Champagne to rinse tha palate. And everyone at the table were not able to finish these glasses. Not released yet, but cannot remember to ever have tasted such unbalance in a barrelsample from Bordeaux. 86

After tasting these it's terrible how long the burnt toast from the oak, the warmth of the alcohol and the slight unripe roughness lingers on in the mouth. James Laube calling these wines gracefull? What was he smoking?

2010 Hermitage blanc l'Orlée

2010 Chapoutier Hermitage blanc de l'Orlée:
About 2500 bottles made. Towards golden. Some yellow fruits, minerals, intense, nuanced and quite refined nose, but a bit hidden behind vanilla notes from the oak. Lowish acidity, crisp minerality, intense, rich, flinty and smoky, with barrel burnt notes beside. Slightly bitter and bananas finish, slightly salty. Long. 94

"-I had a request for a 1964 and I reluctantly opened one of this old bottles but I didn't care if it wasn't good, because I wasn't the winemaker in 1964. But it was very good, we drank all the 600 bottles in one year!" Michel Chapoutier

1996 Louis Jadot Pommard Grands Épenots

1996 Louis Jadot Pommard Grands Épenots:
Ruby, thin garnet rim, deep colour for Burgundy. Red berries, vanilla, touch of blackberries, figs and spices, evolving. Not the most sexy Burgundy nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresher palate, bit tight, starts out rustic but ads fruit and body with air, never a full charmer, it was still very good indeed. Perfect for a hotel room relaxation after some really alcoholic and oaky wines. 90

Mouton with Philippine!

2001 Château Mouton Rothschild:
Ruby, thin garnet rim. Scented, elegant, nuanced and lovely nose, complex, evolving beautifully. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant, nuanced palate, refreshing, tannins still needs a few years to polish of or a creamy sauce, long. 94

Matching Masters

A very interesting tasting where four leading food personalities takes on Wine Spectator's editor Thomas Matthews for food and wine matching. The chefs make a dish, then one of the others make a wine choice to go with the recipe, as does Matthews. Emeril Lagasse said his whole team was actually in on his wine match and they tried to make the dish from the recipe to make a better choice, but food is about details and nuances at this level, so without the specific dish made from that specific chefs hand, it's difficult indeed.

José Andrés
Poached Lobster with Cucumber Yoghurt and Dill Salad
The cucumber (tzatzikiish) yogurt and dill overshadows the lobster and it feels more creamy and dilly than mineraly and sweetish lobster. The tiny cruitons helps to ground the flavours a bit, and give it a slightly earthy note. These are details yes, a lovely dish indeed.

Danny Meyer's wine:
2012 Domaine Huët Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, almost Mosel like freshness and flinty minerality. Fresh acidity, fruity, mineraly and light, I would have been on a fairly dryish Mosel on this blind, long. 90

Thomas Matthew's wine
2011 Y de Yquem:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, apricots, vanilla, bit deep and complex nose, minerals. Fairly fresh acidity, fruity, intense, not as intense and waxy as some vintages, fresh and long. Beautiful now while not to heavy. 93

The Huët cleans it away perfectly, and unexpectedly, and the youghurt makes another dimension with the wine, but it overdoes it ever so slightly even so. Slightly tender and subtle flavours for the dish, it's the acidity that do the job. The Y manages very well, except that it gets a bit hollow mid palate before the aftertaste comes back in. Blends better with the dish, and the oak seems to almost dissapear. Lovely. The Huët can't manage, going back to it it falls apart. The Y was actually a very good match going back to it.

Emeril Lagasse
Gulf shrimp "Boudon Noir" Root Vegetable, Apple Remoulade:
Intense, flavourful, rich meal, something a bit hot, maybe red peppers gives it a bite, apples give freshness and creamy root vegetables rounds it of a bit, but still on the warm side and slightly vinegary.

José Andrés' wine
2009 Bodegas y Vinedos Paixar Mencia Bierzo:
Ruby. Red berries and vanilla nose, smoky notes, minerals. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit oaky and alcohol sweet, not fully balanced, good length. 86

Thomas Matthew's wine
2011 Chalone Chardonnay Chalone Estate:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, flinty and almost popcorn nose. Corn flakes. Fresh acidity, smoky, heavier palate, rich, fruity but mineralic backbone, long. 90

The chilli or hot notes kill the red Bierzo, it gets dusty and you hit a wall. The hotness of the dish gets in front. The Chalone is a bit rich and overpowers a bit, but the dish does not get hot, I would even say that the minerality in the Chalone manages to play a bit with the warmth. None were perfect, but one clearly outshine the other.

Danny Meyer
Wild Mushroom and Ricotta Terrine, Rosemary Walnut Oil, aged Vinegar:
Mushrooms, crisp bread giving texture and a slightly burnt bread note giving dimension, mushroom flavoured and creamy terrine and the walnut vinegar gives an earthy and very elegant note. Nuts gives more chew than flavours, even if they add earthiness. Perfectly balanced vinegar (for once)

Jean-Georges Vongerichten's wine
2012 Destro Isolanuda Etna Blanco:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, smoky minerals, floral and actually subdued nose for a Sicillian white. Mediterranian seafood platter minerality and sweetness. Fairly fresh acidity, fruity, narrower palate, bit easy going, good length. 86

Thomas Matthew's wine
2009 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco:
Ruby. Tar, roses, cherries and red berries nose, scented. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, structured and very youthful, even biting now, long. 92

The Etna bianco manages to clean the palate, but the power of the food comes back as if you never had a sip. The Barolo matches in flavours, but the rough tannic structure makes everything dry. A 1998 Gaja Sperss that was available on my table worked better, but you need something either older, or fruitier but on similar lines. Maybe a slightly aged Barbera? Some said the Bierzo from last dish, but same problem as the Barbaresco, to much tannins, and the unbalance of that wine was even exagerated further with this dish.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten
Hudson Valley Foie Gras with spiced Fig Girola:
Almost sweet foie gras, not as creamy as many French foie gras, more rounded, nuts, I think pistachios and some more earthy but not salty nuts, unsalted peanuts perhaps? Actually has aftertaste.

Emeril Lagasse's wine
Henri Giraud Brut Rosé:
Pale pink, small bubbles. Apples, touch of red berries, minerals and yeasty notes nose. Fresh even if subdued freshness for Champagne, elegant mousse, fairly elegant if a bit lean, good length. 89

Thomas Matthew's wine
2009 Weinbach Altenbourg Pinot Gris Vendanges Tardives Trie Spéciale:
Pale lemon yellow. Subdued apples, subdued minerals, almost rainy autumn morning freshness, decomposing leafs in the driveway, really fresh and nuanced nose. Freshish acidity, lovely balance, humble, subdued, retained, nuanced and absolutely lovely. 93

The Champagne gets more powerful and intense, but also a bit bitter finish. The Weinbach is superb, it blends into a new whole even if the dish takes over again far back in the aftertaste. Lovely indeed.

Four- zero to Thomas Matthews.

Range from USA, 09 Harlan Estate (retasted), 10 Opus One (retasted) and more

2011 Bergström Bergström Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir:
Ruby. Red berries, fruity, intense, some spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slight herbal notes on the palate, red berries and unripe strawberries with spicy and smoky notes, long. 91

2010 Kosta Browne Russian River Valley Pinot Noir:
Bright ruby. Ripe, red berries and intensely fruity nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded texture and body, good length. 88

2011 Turley Howell Mountain Rattlesnake Ridge Zinfandel:
Ruby. Ripe, sweet, dark berries and liquorice nose, intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, sweet, fruity, intense and rich, long. 91

2011 Caymus Special Selection:
Deep ruby. Rich, fruity, ripe, vanilla, cassis and blackberries nose, intense. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, edgy texture, feels like a barrel sample. Long. 93

2010 Robert Mondavi Oakville Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon:
Deep ruby. Rich, fruity, sweet, ripe and dark berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe and rich palate, sweeter feel than last bottle. 91

2010 Opus One:
Deep ruby. Fruity, cassis, leather, ripe, nuanced, rich, almost minerals behind on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe and intense palate, long. 94

2008 Hess Collection Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon:
Ruby. Ripe, fruity, intense nose of dark berries and liquorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded texture, fruity, intense and long. 92

2008 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill:
Ruby. Ripe, intense, cassis, coffee and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, intense and ripe, long finish. 92

2009 Bond Pluribus:
Ruby. Intense, fruity, rich, big nose, dark berries. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, oak, intense, big palate, not an easy drink, warm and oaky finish. 90

2009 Harlan Estate:
Ruby. Intense, ripe, rich, fruity and layered nose, big. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, rich, fruity, big, fruity again, just so much! More nuanced than last bottle two weeks back or so. Very long. 94

09 GPL, 10 Montrose, Pichon Baron and Léoville Poyferré

2009 Château Grand Puy Lacoste:

Ruby. Vanilla a bit up front at this stage, cassis, scented notes behind, anise touch. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit sweet notes, ripe feel even if not that rich, long finish. 92

2010 Château Léoville Poyferré:

Ruby. Scented, nuanced and elegant nose, cassis and a less ripe expression than I remember it. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, mouthwatering and lively. Long finish. 94

2010 Château Montrose:

Deep ruby. Ripe, rich and fruity nose, cassis, floral, anise, layered and nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite intense, layered and nuanced, fruity, long indeed. Even so a bit shut even after two hours in decanter. 95

2010 Château Pichon Longueville Baron:

Ruby. Scented, cassis, leather, nuanced, ripe, intense nose, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, intense, fruity, layeres upon layeres, long indeed. 96

Six from Madeira

1989 D'Oliveiras Sercial:

Orange, golden hue. Nuts, dried fruits, touch of caramel on the nose. Fresh acidity, lively, lean palate, refreshing, quite crisp, long. Bit burnt finish. 88

1981 D'Oliveiras Verdelho:

Amber, thin golden rim. Nuts, dried fruits, apricots nose. Fresh acidity, refreshing and fruity, good length. 89

1973 D'Oliveiras Verdelho:

Darker amber, thin golden hue. Intense, nuts, dried and fresher apricots, rich nose. Fresh acidity, ripe, fruity, mouthwatering and playful, long finish. 91

1988 D'Oliveiras Terrantez:

Bright amber. I wonder if this one is slightly corked, subdued nuts, not that intense and seems to lack fruit as well. Faint cardboard touch. 

1971 D'Oliveiras Terrantez:

Bright amber. Intense nose, dried fruits, smoky, almost like Islay, roasted nuts, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, refreshing and elegant palate, mouthwatering, fruity, long finish. 92

1989 D'Oliveiras Malvazia:

Amber, golden rim. Dried fruits, apricots, nuts, slight caramel note, burnt sugar nose. Fresh acidity, refreshing and elegant, quite playful, rounded for a young Madeira, long. 92

Mazzei, Viik, Quinta do Crasto, Principiano and more

2011 Mazzei Poggio alla Badiola:

Ruby. Scented, fruity, some leather and spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, ok finish. 82

2010 Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva:

Ruby. Fruity, bit more woody nose than I remember last bottle, cherries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, nice balance, good length. 86

2011 Alma de Almorqui Edicion Santi:

Ruby. Rich, fruity, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, good length, vanilla finish. 85

2011 Odfjell Armador Cabernet Sauvignon:

Ruby. Red berries, herbs behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lean and easy, short. 82

2010 Vina Vik Vik:

Ruby. Vanilla, spices, slight herbal note behind, scented, rose petals nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, intense, velvety texture before a bit tighter and firmer finish, long. 90

2012 Renacer Punto Final Cabernet Sauvignon:

Ruby. Vanilla, red berries, slightly herbal nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and fresh, bit short. Vanilla. 82

2012 QdC Flor de Crasto:

Deep ruby. Sweet and ripe nose. Freshish acidity, sweet, ripe and easy. 80

2012 QdC Duoro Red:

Deep ruby. Vanilla and ripe dark berries nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, sweet, bit hollow finish, good length. 83

2007 Gran Feudo Vinas Viejas Reserva:

Ruby. Herbal and red berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, bit firm texture, good length. 85

2011 Domaine de la Renjarde Côtes du Rhône Villages:

Ruby. Red berries and herbs nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lean and skinny, refreshing, good length. 84

2010 Domaine de la Renjarde Côtes du Rhône Villages Cassagne:

Ruby. Vanilla, red berries and some herbs, rich and warm touch. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and sweet. 84

2010 Allegrini Mediterra:

Ruby. Red berries, scented and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and intense, good length. 87

2010 Allegrini Sondraia:

Ruby. Scented, fruity, oak and herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and fruity, dark berries, good length. 86

2010 Allegrini Palazzo della Torre:

Ruby. Scented, fruity, herbal nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and fruity, good length. 87

2010 Allegrini La Grola:

Ruby. Vanilla, slight herbal note, dark berries and anise nose. fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, bit oaky finish, good length. 86

2009 Allegrini Amarone:

Dark ruby. Rich, alcoholic and seet nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and alcoholic, good length. 88

2008 Fernando Principiano Barolo Ravera:

Ruby, garnet rim. Anise, tar and some roses nose, rich. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries and refreshing palate, good length. 88

2006 Fernando Principiano Barolo Boscareto:

Ruby, garnet rim. Rich, alcoholic, anise, scented and ripe nose. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, lots of structure, less fruit to back it up, good length. 88

Two whites from Valentini

2009 Valentini Trebbiano d'Abruzzo:

Towards lemon yellow. Apples, some floral notes, minerals, slightly smoky nose. Fresh acidity, funky, soapy notes, different. Maybe ever so slightly corked?

2009 Valentini Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo:

Salmon colour. Slightly smoky, red currants and ever so slightly raspberries and cassis nose. Fresh acidity, leaner palate, more intense flavours, quite crisp, good length. 90

Five whites

2012 Vina Leyda Leyda Reserva Chardonnay:

Pale lemon yellow. Easy, lemons and apples nose. Fairly fresh acidity, easy going, short. 75

2010 Vina Leyda Leyda Single Vineayrd Neblina Riesling:

Pale lemon yellow. Some apples, citrus and petroleum nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, slight mineral note in the back, good length. 82

2011 Château Fuisse Puilly-Fuissé Vielles Vignes:

Pale lemon yellow. Vanilla, applesflinty and smoky touch nose. Fresh acidity, leaner style, slightly biting oak notes, smoky, good length. 85

2011 Château Fuisse Puilly-Fuisse Tête de Cru:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, lemons nose. Fairly fresh acidoty, fruity, almost creamy texture, good length. 85

2008 Chivite Collection 125 Chardonnay:

Towards lemon yellow. Apples and sweet yellow fruits, touch of orange blossoms. Fresh acidity, fruity, lemons palate, slight plastic touch, good length. 85

9 Burgundies tasted, Claude Dugat, Denis Mortet and Hudelot-Noellat

2010 Hudelot-Noellat Chambolle-Musigny:

Bright ruby. Red berries, elegant floral and scented note, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner and focused palate, fresh and pure feel, ever so slightly spritzy, good length. 88

2010 Hudelot-Noellat Vosne-Romanée:

Bright ruby. Red berries, scented, nuanced nose. Floral. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and mouthwatering, lovely balance, good length. 89

2010 Claude Dugat Gevrey-Chambertin:

Ruby. Some sweet anise over ripe red berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant if a bit sweet and ripe, good length. 88

2010 Denis Mortet Marsannay Les Longeroies:

Ruby. Vanilla, red berries, and somewhat smoky nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh and lively, better balance on the palate than nose suggests, good length. 88

2010 Claude Dugat Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru:

Ruby. Richer nose, scented, fruity, deep nose for Burgundy. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, vanilla and somewhat oaky texture, biting a bit, modern, good length. 89

2009 Hudelot-Noellat Nuis-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Murgers:

Ruby. Red berries, some floral notes, nuanced, touch of figs and exotic spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite lively and refreshing for 09, elegant, long finish. 90

2007 Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Vaucrains:

Ruby. Floral, nuanced, scented, red berries and a slight herbal note far back. Some unripe strawberries notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and nuanced, less rustic and raw than some vintages from Gouges, quite aproachable now, long. 90

2007 Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Saint-Georges:

Ruby, thin garnet rim. Red berries, some vanilla, scented and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, more backbone, somewhat firmer but opens up in the aftertaste. Bit biting texture still, needs another few years. 91

2007 Claude Dugat Charmes-Chambertin:

Bright ruby. Scented, some vanilla, red berries, slight woody note overshadows a bit on the nose. Starting figs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly smooth texture, fruity, long finish. 92

2010 Colombier Hermitage

2010 Domaine du Colombier Hermitage:

Deep ruby. Rich, fruity, massive nose, alcohol and extraction. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and less heavy palate, fairly refreshing, long. 92

3 from Chablis, Gerard Duplessis and Samuel Billaud

2011 Samuel Billaud Chablis:

Pale lemon yellow. Yellow apples, flinty minerals and some floral high notes nose. Fresh acidity, lean and more focused palate, clean minerals and lemons, good length. 88

2010 Duplessis Chablis:

Pale lemon yellow. Minerals, apples, some butter notes far behind on the nose. Fresh acidoty, fruity, elegant, refreshing, lime and lean mineralic nerve going through it, balanced and elegant, good length. 89

2010 Duplessis Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons:

Towards lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, some toast, yellow fruity nose, elegant. Ever so slight nutty note. Fresh acidity, almost creamy texture, refreshing and lively, beautiful balance, long finish. 92

Champagne flight, 03 Clos des Goisses and more

Baron-Fuenté Champagne Esprit Blanc de Blanc:

Pale lemon yellow, small bubbles. Minerals, subdued yeasty notes, apples and some citrus nose. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, leaner palate, lovely balance, fresh, long. 90

Baron-Fuenté Grande Reserve Demi-Sec:

Pale lemon yellow, not fully bright, small bubbles. Apples and lilies of the valley nose, subdued minerals. Fresh acidity, lazy mousse, rounded, balanced, bit easy going, good length. Try it to some fruits and berries. 86

2004 Legras Presidence Vieilles Vignes Brut Grand Cru:

Pale lemon yellow, small bubbles. Apples, minerals, focuse, yellow fruity nose. Fresh acidity, tight, fruity but mineralic backbone, fresh finish, bit short. 89

2006 Baron-Fuenté Grand Millésime:

Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Apples, minerals, tight, floral, lemons and almost a bit smoky nose. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, fresh, lively, focused, narrow finish, long. 92

2003 Philipponat Reserve Millesime:

Towards lemon yellow. Apples, some minerals, fruity, yellow fuits, yeasty notes, fairly ripe nose. Fresh acidity, almost crisp mousse, tight and together, lovely balance, elegant texture, long finish. 92

2003 Philipponat Clos des Goisses:

Towards lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Apples, yeast, heavier minerals, schist and bond fire notes. Autolyses. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, intense flavours, again this burnt and deep minerality, overripe apples, long finish. 93

3 from Schloss Gobelsburg

2011 Schloss Gobelsburg Domane Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner:

Pale lemon yellow. Asparagus and pears nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, easy going, refreshing, good length. 83

2012 Schloss Gobelsburg Riesling Urgestein:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, fruity nose and raspberries. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, fairly refreshing, good length. 89

2008 Schloss Gobelsburg Riesling Beerenauslese:

Bright amber, golden hue. Fruity, sultanas and dried apricots nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, bit easy going, good length. 89

Two from Wine & Soul

2012 Wine & Soul Guru White:

Pale lemon yellow. Rich, fruity, yellow fruits, oak, ripe nose. Fairly fresh acidity, butter and creamy palate, rounded, long finish. 90

2011 Wine & Soul Quinta da Manoella VV:

Deep ruby. Rich, fruity, floral notes, scented and ripe nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, vanilla palate, velvety first, then more woody texture, long. 89

Inexpensive Bordeaux, second wine of La Tour de By

2010 Château La Roque de By:

Deep ruby, garnet rim. Fruity, cassis, touch of vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, good length. 84

Two old Port's

Andresen 40 Year Old White Port:

Amber. Minerals, ripe lemons touch, dried apricots, floral high notes, more subdued nose. Fresh acidity, almonds, fruity, sweeter palate, rounded, long and nicely balanced. 92

1980 Andresen Porto Colheita:

Dark amber, golden rim. Fruity, caramel, dried fruits, raisins and some nuts nose. Fresh acidity, quite intense, oxidative, bit short and falls a bit apart in the finish. 89

G. Rinaldi Freisa

2011 Guiseppe Rinaldi Freisa

Ruby. Cheese, red berries, some herbs and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, refreshing, good length. 88

Wongraven Alleanza

2011 Wongraven Alleanza Langhe Rosso:

Ruby. Red berries, tobacco, dark fruits nose. Fresh acidity, few tannins, soft, fruity and easy, refreshing finish. 84

08 and 10 Domaine Leflaive Puligny's

2008 Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet:

Towards lemon yellow. Butter, creamy and apples nose, minerals beneath, almost smoky touch. Fresh acidity, fruity and lively, refreshing, quite mouthwatery, long. 90

2010 Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet:

Towards lemon yellow. Apples, lemons, minerals, focused, elegant nose, refreshing. Fresh acidity, elegant, refreshing, fruity, pure feel, long. 91

2010 Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clavoillon:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, focused, narrower nose, elegant and nuanced. Fresh acidity, fruity, elegant, refreshing, lovely balance, almost creamy texture, or rather rounded. Long finish. 93

Three from Bruno Clair

2011 Bruno Clair Marsannay Rouge

Bright ruby. Slight herbal notes over red fruits and slight smoky vanilla touch. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, almost creamy texture, smooth, elegant, could need a year to integrate the barrel notes somewhat more, not on structure, more on flavors. 87

2011 Bruno Clair Savigny-Les-Beaune:

Bright ruby. Fruity, red berries, scented, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly lean structure, some herbal notes, purer fruits that rounds it all off, good length. 88

2011 Bruno Clair Chambolle-Musigny Les Veroilles:

Bright ruby. Scented, some vanilla, red berries nose, floral. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and elegant, refreshing, playful, bit vanilla finish, wait two years. 89

Three from Henriot

Henriot Brut Souverain:

Pale golden, tiny bubbles. Apples, brioche, minerals, maturing notes, autolyses, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, fresh and lively, complex, lovely balance, long. 89

Henriot Blanc de Blancs:

Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Apples, yeast, touch of nuts, fresh nose, maturing notes. Fresh acidity, lively mousse, fresh and playful, elegant, mouthwatering, long finish. 90

1998 Henriot Cuvée des Enchanteleurs:

Pale lemon yellow, small bubbles. Cool nose, focused, almost like a winter morning and the cold bites you in the nose, pure minerality, unripe yellow apples. Fresh acidity, lively, fruity, refreshing, leaner palate, focused, nuanced and layed, long and refined, not a blockbuster, this is about details. 93

Two from Champagne

Champagne Chapuy Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru:

Watery lemon yellow, small bubbles. Apples, minerals, some yeast, easy and quite elegant nose. Fresh acidity, bit sharp mousse, focused, fresh and lively, lean finish, good length. 87

2006 Jules Bonnet Extra Brut:

Pale golden, small bubbles. Richer and fruity nose, bread, some yellow fruits. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, bitter note, grapefruits and almost smoky touch, good length. 88

Two Cremant's

2011 Delorme Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs:

Watery with almost golden hue, small bubbles. Some yeast and brioche, minerals and touch of nuts. Fresh acidity, leanish mousse, fairly elegant and good balance, bit easy. 85

2010 Delorme Cremant de Bourgogne Cuvée Terroir d'Exception:

Watery lemon yellow. Crisp, fruity, minerals, lemons and green apples nose, some yeast notes. Fresh acidity, medium mousse, elegant and refreshing if a bit easy, good length. 86

07 Riscal

2007 Marques de Riscal Reserva:

ruby. Blueberries, anise and vanilla, some taost on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant and nuanced, good length. 86

Two from Gaja

2008 Gaja Brunello di Montalcino Pieve Santa Restituta 

Ruby. Scented, fruity, leather, nuanced, cherries and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively and playful, refreshing, good length. 89

2008 Gaja Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille:

Ruby. Fruity, anise, red berries, cherries, scented nose, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, structured palate, fresh fruit behind, bit oaky finish, somewhat dry, long. 90

Three Amarone's

2004 Cesari Bosan Amarone:

Deep ruby. Massive, oak, dark berries, coffee, intense. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, alcohol, rich, intense massive, big. Not for the faint hearted. 88

2000 Cesari Bosan Amarone:

Deep ruby. Alcohol nose, huge and massive of ripe fruits, rich. Fresh acidity, rich and ripe, fruity and massive, sweet finish. 89

1998 Cesari Bosan Amarone:

Deep ruby. Rich and massive, alcohol nose, huge and rich. Fruity, rich, massive, red berries and cherries, somewhat fresher finish, huge. 89

Two from Jaboulet

2010 Jaboulet Crozes-Hermitage Les Jalets:

Ruby. Scented, floral, dark berries and anise nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, quite elegant body and texture, refreshing finish, good length. 87

2010 Jaboulet Domaine de Thalabert Crozes-Hermitage:

Deep ruby. Vanilla, blackberries, some spices, almost a mineral note behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, intense, good length. 88

08 Schäfer- Frölich Felsenberg GG

2008 Schäfer- Fröhlich Felsenberg Riesling GG:
Pale lemon yellow. apples, minerals and citrus with a touch floral note, refreshing nose. Fresh and fairly playful acidity, ripe lemons and apples palate, fresh and youthful with lovely balance, long finish. 91

Lovely from Wachau

2009 Veyder-Malberg Bruck Riesling:

(This might not be it's full name as I barely had a glanse at the bottle). Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, lemons and a subdued mineraly nose, lovely. Fresh acidity, elegant and lovely balance, refreshing, especially for Wachau, elegant almost mineralic backbone, long and nuanced. 92

Comte Georges de Vogüé at Bagatelle

Tasting notes in English and a few comments about the food in Norwegian.
 
Det ble en rekke småsmaker til Champagne før burgunderne kom på bordet, alle delikate, flotte og subtile, jeg trekker frem tre favoritter. 

Råreke- rabarbra, elegant og sødmefult, ganske tender, men en slurk med Champagne får det til og eksplodere i mineralitet. 

Krabbe- flatbrød, superb kombinasjon av sødmefult klokjøtt og jordlig flatbrød med elegant syrlig kremet ost. 

Nordisk tartar, en elegant og delikat smak.

Endelig en kamskjellrett hvor tilbehøret fremhever aromaene i kamskjellet isteden for å overdøve. Elegant og flott, med en intens lukt av sjø fra tangen skjellet lå på. Herlig rett. Og bedre ble det, en runde med kamskjelltartar med blomkålsaus fulgte, elegant og deilig hvordan blomkålen kanskje rundet av sødmen i kamskjellene noe, og tilførte noe kremet og løftet kanskje mineralene noe. Fantastisk. 

1999 Comte Georges de Vogüé Bourgogne blanc:

Towards lemon yellow. Intense nose, lemons, apples, minerals, slightly floral and yellow fruits. Touch of butter. Flinty with more air in the glass. Fresh acidity, leaner palate, pure Madagascar vanilla, smoky, quite focused, but could have a bit more mid-palate. Long and intense finish. Ever so slight touch of honey and beeswax, that just rounds it off a bit.  94

Piggvar-selleri-brunet smør. Saftig piggvar, med ørsmå selleribiter som ga både tekstur til retten og ekstra smak. Smørsausen var mer kremet enn brun på smak, og rundet det hele av, meget elegant, og nært perfekt match med vinen, som fremsto mer mineralsk. 

2011 Comte Georges de Vogüé Chambolle-Musigny:

Bright ruby. Red berries, slight herbal note far behind, slightly scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, youthful and fruity, but a bit lean and tight, good length, quite nuanced. 89

1993 Comte Georges de Vogüé Chambolle-Musigny:

Ruby, still garnet rim. Scented, red berries, touch of sous bois, hint of leather, elegant and nuanced nose, superbly charming. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly edgy palate still, feels far younger, blind I would be ten years or so younger. Slight iodine note with more air. Long. But the secret is that the young vines of Musigny, the ones younger than 25 years, was blended into this wine. This practice ended in 1995. 92 

2011 Comte Georges de Vogüé Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru:

Bright ruby. Scented, floral, red berries, almost violets nose, again pure Madagascar vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, tight, quite intense, focused, nuanced, long. 92

 

 

2002 Comte Georges de Vogüé Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru:

Bright ruby, thin garnet rim. Scented, fruity, nuanced, a more subdued violets note, beautiful nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, tight, bit gripping before it opens into an almost velvety aftertaste, long. 93

1997 Comte Georges de Vogüé Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses:

Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, red berries, minerals, nuanced and elegant nose, layered, pure, complex and refined. Floral and an almost Mouton Rothschild like exoticness.   Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly drying texture mid palate, ever so slightly oaky still, surprisingly youthful fruit, can be kept to polish it off a bit more. Long. 94

Villand med traktkantarell, smakfult kjøtt, elegant saus med lekker sopp. Salaten dro frem for mange negative toner i vinen, og ble også noe bitter til maten. Anden hadde litt jodtoner som ble fremhevet av salaten, men noe nøytralisert av soppen. 

2011 Comte Georges de Vogüé Bonnes Mares:

Bright ruby.  Red berries, scented, pure and quite intense nose, slight plummy note. Floral with more time in the glass, getting the floral note quicker than the '95 a month ago. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, that for me seemingly typical slightly unripe strawberries tightness and coolness of flavour, refreshing, long finish. 94

2001 Comte Georges de Vogüé Bonnes Mares:

Ruby, thin garnet rim. Fruity, scented, ripe plums, overripe strawberries, holds on to the floral notes much tighter than the '11, doesn't quite want to let go. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant fruit, refreshing, again a bit tight, almost playful. Ever so slightly edgy still, needs five to ten years, long. 94

Aldeles nydelig reinsdyr, men tilbehøret her ble for kraftig for meg. Noe intenst av einer, nesten mot noe kvaepreg, og litt kraftig, nærmest rå løk. Kjøttet var himmelsk. 

2011 Comte Georges de Vogüé Musigny Cuvée Vielles Vignes:

Ruby. Red berries, scented, some vanilla, ever so slightly herbal, nuanced, floral, violets, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit tight and closed even after a few hours in decanter, delicate, nuanced, transparent, elegant, long finish. 95

1991 Comte Georges de Vogüé Musigny Cuvée Vielles Vignes:

(Magnum) 16 hl/Ha. Ruby, thin garnet rim. Floral, scented, layered, nuanced and evolving nose. Ever so slight sous bois touch, red berries. Spicy. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, intense, refreshing, redcurrants and strawberries, long finish. 94

Avsluttet med ost og Frossen skog, en dessert som for meg oste av beskt granbar. Ikke årets første bitre/ beske dessert, kanskje er dette trendy, for meg helt håpløst som er litt vel sensitiv mot det bitre og beske. Smakte som duften man får i stuen når man står opp i jula. Nå hører det med til historien at flere rundt bordet syntes dette var fantastisk. Herlig å få så mange smaker og retter hvor råvaren fremheves av tilbehøret og de justeringene av smakene som måtte til ved første besøk i våres er helt klart gjennomgått mange ganger og finjustert. Nensomt, nyansert, detaljert og elegant. En strålende kveld på Bagatelle. Takk for at jeg fikk oppleve dette.

Ridge flight

2010 Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay:

Pale lemon uellow. Rich, intense, fruity and waxy nose, oxidized apples, bananas. Freshish acidity, bit plump and waxy, good length, off bottle.

2004 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel:

Ruby. Fruity, red berries, vanilla and strangely enough, bananas. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, rich, ripe, slightly warm finish. 86

2011 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel:

Ruby. Intense and fruity nose, dark berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, quite intense, fresher palate thab nose, good length. 87

2008 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel:

(Magnum) Ruby. Intense red berries and anise nose, vanilla. Freah acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, quite lively and elegant, good length. 88

2008 Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon:

Ruby. Intense, cassis, fruity, red berries and vanilla nose. Fairly fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, intense, rich, good length. 89

2010 Ridge Monte Bello:

Deep ruby. Rich, intense, fruity, scented, lot's of barrel spices and dark berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, intense, refreshing, complex, Long finish, bit oaky and biting finish, needs ten years. 94

2008 Ridge Monte Bello:

Deep ruby. Scented, fruity, dark berries, layered, slightly interfered with oak on the jose. Complex.fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit sweet and fruity, elegant body, young and vibrant, give it five years or proper decanting. 93